Many people are unaware of the damage they cause to our local waters. Every single day, tons of chemicals and litter pollute our waters. Not only do these pollutants harm the environment, but they can cause disease to humans and animals. There are unending ways to help our ailing environment. Here are a few simple tips to follow.
1. JUST DON'T LITTER. It's not worth it. Even litter from areas far away from water bodies will find their way into tributaries or be washed into the water by rain. Take advantage of the plentiful trash bins in most public areas and prevent this.
2. If you see some trash, pick it up! Many hands make light work. Be a good example for those around you and be proactive in keeping our environment clean.
3. Pick up after your pets. Excess animal waste is a growing problem in our water. It can contain bacteria that aren't harmful to the animals, but are foreign and toxic to microorganisms in the water.
4. Don't dump foreign substances down the drain. Oil put in drains solidifies, causing pipes to burst. Even old medications that are flushed or improperly disposed of can acidify the water they enter, harming the ecosystem.
5. Use a refillable water bottle. Don't throw away half used plastic water bottles every day. By reusing water bottles you can save water, save money, and keep trash out of already overflowing landfills.
6. Use water wisely. Turn the water off while you're brushing your teeth or shaving. It doesn't seem like a lot, but making this a habit can save up to 5 gallons of water per day.
7. Do not put trash, oils, or chemicals in storm drain. Many people don't realize that storm drains do not go into sewers, but directly into freshwater rivers and lakes. Storm drains are one of the most prominent sources of trash in water bodies.
8. Catch someone in the act. If you see someone dispose of their waste incorrectly, politely inform them that they are harming the environment. Next time, they'll think twice.
Many people are unaware of the damage they cause to our local waters.
Every single day, tons of chemicals and litter pollute our waters. Not only do these
pollutants harm the environment, but they can cause disease to humans and animals.
There are unending ways to help our ailing environment.
Here are a few simple tips to follow.
It's not worth it. Even litter from areas far away from water bodies will find their way into tributaries or be washed into the water by rain. Take advantage of the plentiful trash bins in most public areas and prevent this.
2. If you see some trash, pick it up!
Many hands make light work. Be a good example for those around you and be proactive in keeping our environment clean.
3. Pick up after your pets.
Excess animal waste is a growing problem in our water. It can contain bacteria that aren't harmful to the animals, but are foreign and toxic to microorganisms in the water.
4. Don't dump foreign substances down the drain.
Oil put in drains solidifies, causing pipes to burst. Even old medications that are flushed or improperly disposed of can acidify the water they enter, harming the ecosystem.
5. Use a refillable water bottle.
Don't throw away half used plastic water bottles every day. By reusing water bottles you can save water, save money, and keep trash out of already overflowing landfills.
6. Use water wisely.
Turn the water off while you're brushing your teeth or shaving. It doesn't seem like a lot, but making this a habit can save up to 5 gallons of water per day.
7. Do not put trash, oils, or chemicals in storm drain.
Many people don't realize that storm drains do not go into sewers, but directly into freshwater rivers and lakes. Storm drains are one of the most prominent sources of trash in water bodies.
8. Catch someone in the act.
If you see someone dispose of their waste incorrectly, politely inform them that they are harming the environment. Next time, they'll think twice.
9. Don't just tell people what they're doing wrong...tell them how to do it right!
Inform people about the ways to improve our environment. The more people who become active for the cause, the more influence it will have. Your aid is not only helpful, but vital.
Tips for conserving water and stopping water pollution from Kelli Etheredge on Vimeo.
Don't make the environment SAD.
Water Testing from Kelli Etheredge on Vimeo.
Here are the results of our experimenttesting the water in Mobile Bay.